There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Principe into a quick city adventure. From PCP, the Taxi can get you into town in around 30 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
A few things to sort out before you leave PCP:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Sao Tome and Principe. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Principe takes about 30 minutes by Taxi. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is STN. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some STN in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Transport from Principe Airport to Downtown
You have two main options for getting from Principe Airport into town:
- Taxi: About 30 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 50 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
How Much Money You’ll Need
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Principe:
Transport to the city and back runs about $6 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $12 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $28 USD total.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Storing Your Luggage at Principe Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at PCP may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Principe’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Exploring Principe on a Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Principe, two standouts are:
- City Center Walk — It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
- Local Market — The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t buy anything.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside PCP, you can spend time at Airport Lounge or try Duty Free Shopping. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
- In the city: Local Restaurant and Popular Eatery are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Principe.
- At the airport: Airport Cafe and Terminal Restaurant will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at PCP include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Sao Tome and Principe also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at PCP for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Principe or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Principe count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave PCP. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.